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Hey mates. Finally started gathering my models for my SM Army and as it stands I have:

* 7x Razorbacks/Rhinos
* 5x Drop Pods
* 20x MKIII Iron Armour Space Marines
* 10x Cataphractii Terminators
* Converted Cataphractii Captain Lysander
* Imperial Fists Contemptor Dreadnought

Currently, I am debating on where to go from here and I have been looking at the Angels of Death Supplement and at the formations that are available. I plan to mainly utilize the Imperial Fists Chapter Tactics (but open to others), but when it comes to them, which Formations have you had or do you believe would have the best success with them? Currently looking at the Battle Demi Company, Stormlance Demi-Company, and possibly one using a converted Lysander and a Terminator Squad. Appreciate the feedback mates.

One thing to consider would be the 1st company TF. Sternguard + Bolter Drill + Drop Pods = Death.

You can use it with either the new Sternhammer formation in AoD or the old Gladius.

With all those transports, going a full company list in the gladius is also very tempting.

I play Crimson Fists (so same chapter tactics) and I like taking the Sternhammer Strike Force. Stubborn is either a pointless benefit or really, really good - sometimes it can straight up win you the game. Rerolls on all Bolt Weapons is a decent benefit, especially if you take Sternguard who can do serious work with their specialist ammo.

Most importantly, it's easy to meet the minimums for the Sternhammer. You only need to take one Demi Company for core and you can fill your auxiliary slot with a lone Vindicator. If you want to take a bunch of power armor Marines then the Gladius is better, as the free transports for two Demi Companies outweighs any benefit the Sternhammer provides, but if you want to focus more on the auxiliary choices then the Sternhammer is a bit more flexible and provides benefits that are comparable to the Gladius' access to doctrines.

I'd start building towards a battle demi-company and go from there. a demi-battle company would enable you to build eaither a gladius or the Sternhammer strike force.

maybe consider something along these lines:

Strike Force (works as gladius or sternhammer)

1 Demi Battle Comapny:

Lysander 230 points

3 Tac Marine Squads In rhinos (approx 175 points)

1 Centurion assault squad with hurricane bolters and melta guns (approx 170 points)

1 Devestator Squad with Razor Back (kitted as you like, I'm pricing under the assumption of 4 grav cannons and Las canon turret) 285

1 Contemptor Dreadnought (170 points)

1st Company Task Force

2 Squads of cataphracti Terminators 175 pts each
1 Sternguard Squad with Razorback 145 pts


total approx points: 1875 points

you could proably get the points reduced back down to in the 1700s if you went with devestator centurions instead of a devestator squad. I wanted to give you more options to use your transports

please note this list isn't intended to be super compeitive, just a good place to move in the direction of if your looking to use what you have to have a good starting place.

The Sternhammer gives you the ability to take 1-of support units - in my case, a TFC, a Vindicator (just to try out as I've never run one before) and a pair of chippyhawks for air support.